Green skills could provide graduate jobs boost

Published:
Monday, 21 December 2009
Category: Transport and utilities

Individuals with qualifications in areas relating to the environment could see their graduate job prospects increase as MPs have called for the right investment to be made in expanding green employment.

A recent report by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) noted that the UK is facing being at a major disadvantage in relation to green technology compared with other countries because of a lack of skills in the green jobs market.

According to the EAC, 33 per cent of environmental firms are having to continue with a shortage of skilled staff, with the £405 million mentioned in the 2009 budget to support the government's low-emission targets significantly insufficient.

Now, Conservative MP Tony Yeo believes that green skills need to be prioritised in upcoming strategies and if jobs are created sooner rather than later there is still time to be a market leader.

Meanwhile, Peter Young, chairman of the green business lobby group Aldersgate Group, said: "The UK must urgently develop the skills base across the economy to ensure it can compete with the likes of Germany and the US in key low-carbon markets.

"This is essential to create the new jobs for the economic recovery and vital for long-term competitiveness."

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, remarked earlier this year that the government could create over a million skilled jobs, including vacancies for graduates, by investing heavily in green technologies.